A Thanksgiving unlike any other

We've enjoyed putting on Thanksgiving the past 3 years. More than that, we have loved the family and friends with whom we spent the holiday. This year when we learned that we'd be on our own for Thanksgiving, Kyle had a great idea. His idea was to finally hit up a University of Texas football game. The third longest rivalry is between UT and Texas A&M. Tradition has them playing on Thanksgiving day and we've been saying for some time that we'd attend a game.

We drove the three hours to San Antonio where we stayed in a nice resort. Our Thanksgiving meal before the big game was very different, for two reasons. The first is that it was all purchased and made in the same day. That was lovely. I typically spend, at least, a week before Thanksgiving mulling over new ideas, planning, purchasing the food and then preparing any dishes that I can days before the actual feast. Secondly, while I did my hair, Kyle put the meal together. I quite enjoy preparing the traditional meal. Alternatively, I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed the tables being turned (even if it wasn't to the same degree).

The weather allowed us to swim the first day as it was in the mid 60's. It then changed drastically by dropping 30 degrees just before game time. Even Texas can get pretty cold with wind chill and humidity that bites. But we DID NOT sit. We stood the whole game. Mostly, because we couldn't have seen the game otherwise. The entire stadium was on their feet for the duration of the game. The kids were enthusiastic about the game and fared well despite the weather. Ty refused to rest his legs even when a view allowed him to watch on the jumbotron because he, "wanted to watch it live." Communicated through chattering teeth if I remember correctly. And if the above picture doesn't have "devoted fans" written all over it, then you should meet Reese. She practices her "hook 'em horns" religiously ever since that night in the stadium. Where, along with the rest of the Longhorn fans, she sang The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You, while waving her horns. It is daily that I find her sharpening her skills. And she couldn't be prouder. Needless to say, it was a memorable holiday for our family. One that we'll more than likely repeat.

Jaden with her staples: a cheese ball and root beer. The cheese ball is quite necessary for it to really feel like it's Thanksgiving. It was the only homemade dish, which is what allowed me to take my time doing this . . .

and this.

While Kyle did this.

And then it was time to put our game face on!

13.1

A bunch of crazy moms 30 minutes away from running the Galveston half. Crazier than that is when they trained at 4:30 Friday mornings so they'd be home in time to get school-age kids out the door.

This pic is sooo deceiving. The hardcore chicks on either side of me look like they've had better days. In contrast, I look like I've run the one mile fun run. If you only knew how that really went down. I don't have a desire to EVER do this again--minus that overwhelming feeling of I-HAVE-to-get-a-better time-than-that-next-time. But I did finish. And I owe a rather large THANK-YOU to Leslie--the veteran running friend of mine that I (easily) convinced to fly in from Arizona to run with me. The same friend that at mile 5 was told that she'd have to keep the conversation flowing as I was winded. Then at mile 7 to stop talking because at this point I would no longer be a good listener. After which, I think it was somewhere around 8 or 9 that I dropped a few paces behind and when she turned to check on me I told her to stay in front of me. And she did stay in front of me. Except for the couple of times that she came jogging back with a smile on her face to ask if I was really sure I wanted her 20 paces ahead? "Really, because it's kind of boring up there" she said. To that I vaguely remember replying, "Yeah, I know, just get back up there." Such a brat I am. Can I claim delirium?? I keep saying that the really good memories that stem from this race come in the form of good friends. You are the best, Leslie!

Loved my little fan club. They took a break from wading in waves to cheer us on at mile 8. Did I mention it was 70 degrees at start time? And, of course, they were there at the finish line too. Great pics, Kyle.

31

These pics are from last years birthday night out with girlfriends. I think I failed to post them a year ago with all the excitement and surprise of my sisters flying in. I do need to give a shout out to my friends for taking me out last year for the big 30! Fine dining with good company followed by some serious roller coaster riding at Kemah Boardwalk. It was way too thrilling for all of us if I remember correctly--minus Brenya who was the purse holder as she was expecting. And on a side note I recall getting my hair done this same day when my stylist found my first grey hair. How's that for turning 30!

I celebrated again this week with primarily the same lovely group at Lupe Tortillas. No pics. Thanks for taking me out and spoiling me.

To celebrate my 31st tonight, Kyle and I made it out to Killen's Steakhouse for a long overdue meal without interruption. Meant to take pictures. And, Kyle, I am writing this down in cyberspace only because I don't want to forget, but I loved your handwritten letter that had the look of a Baker Botts paycheck with envelope and all. Classic you. Aside from dining with Kyle and the kids serving me breakfast in bed my best birthday gift to myself came in the form of a clean house--one that I didn't clean. And because I wasn't busy cleaning I had time to post about it on Facebook: "$60 to clean parts of my house I couldn't get to this week--priceless. A first for me. Used birthday $ to treat myself with the thought of company arriving tonight and a half marathon on Saturday. Money well spent. My home smells of fabuloso and that's exactly how I feel."